China is evaluating a US offer for negotiations on tariffs, but wants Washington to show "sincerity" and be ready to scrap levies that have caused significant disruptions in global markets and supply chains. The US has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese products, while China has responded with its own duties of up to 125% on imports from the US.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/02/world/asia-oceania/china-says-evaluating-us-offer-of-tariff-talks-but-wants-sincerity/2104440China is demanding that the US demonstrate sincerity by addressing its wrong practices and removing all imposed tariffs. The US must take concrete actions, including lifting the current tariffs of 145% on Chinese shipments and 125% on American goods entering China. If not, China will not accept talks as a cover for coercion and extortion.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3308749/china-considering-start-trade-negotiations-us-commerce-ministry-says?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsChina has softened its stance in US tariff talks amid growing tensions between the two nations. The country is reviewing proposals to ease trade war restrictions, according to reports. Meanwhile, factory orders in Vietnam have been cancelled due to concerns over Chinese spy claims, with some companies re-evaluating their supply chains.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3308906/china-softens-stance-us-tariff-talks-spy-claims-condemned-scmp-daily-highlights?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChina's Commerce Ministry has expressed willingness to assess trade talks with the US after senior US officials signaled their openness to negotiations following Donald Trump's tariff hike last month. The ministry urged sincerity from Washington in its statement, noting that the US had sent messages through relevant parties to initiate discussions with China, which is currently evaluating this possibility.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/02/asia-pacific/politics/us-china-trade-talks-thaw/China's Commerce Ministry has expressed openness to talks with the US on tariffs, but emphasized that the US must show sincerity by removing all unilateral tariffs and correcting its "wrong practices". Senior US officials have recently reached out to China through relevant parties to initiate negotiations. China views the US request as a positive development, having granted certain waivers in the past.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/is-china-discussing-a-tariff-deal-with-trump-beijing-says-currently-evaluating-negotiation-offer-13885009.htmlUS Trade Expert Peter Bessent believes that Beijing's main issue with the US is not high tariffs, but other barriers such as intellectual property theft and cyberhacking. He expressed confidence in a deal being reached, but China has shown little willingness to compromise, with its foreign ministry responding to US accusations by saying it will not "kneel down" in the trade war, warning that this would invite more bullying.
https://apnews.com/article/china-tariffs-trump-trade-8637f1b88cf6801c9b9d2b3481389beeChina's confirmation of its willingness to discuss a trade deal with the US is seen as a positive step by analysts, but does not indicate a softening of Beijing's stance. China has set conditions for talks, including the removal of US tariffs imposed on China, and is in no rush to engage in discussions. The US should demonstrate sincerity by addressing its "wrong practices" if it wants to talk, according to Victor Gao, vice-president of the Centre for China and Globalisation.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3308860/chinas-trade-talk-comments-aim-ramp-pressure-us-analysts-say?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsOlga Cherevko, from the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, described a devastated Gaza City where hospitals are out of blood supplies and fuel is rationed. A ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was struck by drones in international waters off Malta, causing an explosion that ignited a fire on the vessel Conscience. The incident has revived memories of Israel's 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara. Cherevko emphasized the global choice: to continue ignoring Gaza's suffering or take action to break the blockade.
https://africanews.com/2025/05/02/gaza-on-the-brink-as-aid-ship-attacked-fuel-and-medical-supplies-dwindle/A humanitarian aid ship carrying activists towards Gaza was attacked by drones in international waters off Malta, according to The Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The attack occurred while the ship was en route to Gaza, but no casualties were reported as everyone on board was confirmed safe. A nearby tugboat responded to the incident and provided assistance.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/ship-carrying-activists-aid-to-gaza-attacked-by-drones-ngo-says-20250502-p5lw5d.html